Sleep

Who needs the most sleep?

• A baby

• A child

• A teenager

• An adult

Answer explanation

New-born babies need around 17 hours sleep a day to help with their brain development. The amount we need gets lower as we get older. Most adults need between 6-8 hours per night

How many teenagers get enough sleep per night?

• About half of them

• About two-thirds of them

• About three-quarters of them

• About nine-tenths of them

Answer explanation

Studies show that the number of teenagers who get enough sleep is falling. In 1991 it was 72% but by 2012 had fallen to 63%

Which of these in NOT a symptom of sleep deprivation?

• Snoring

• Memory loss

• Lack of motivation

• Short temper

Answer explanation

Not getting enough sleep is bad for our minds and our bodies. It can also cause high blood pressure, weaker immune systems, and headaches

When we dream our eyes dart about beneath our eyelids. What three-letter term do we call this?

• RAM

• REM

• RIM

• ROM

Answer explanation

REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. It MAY be caused by our eyes following the images in our dreams, but we don’t know for sure

How much sleep does an average 13-year-old need per night?

• 7 hours

• 8 hours

• 9 hours

• 10 hours

Answer explanation

The actual amount of sleep required varies from person to person. But the average for a 13-year-old is about 9 hours. Do you get that much sleep?

What is the longest time anybody has gone without sleeping?

• 5 days

• 3 weeks

• A month

• 11 days

Answer explanation

The world record is 11 days and 25 minutes. During this time the record holder experienced moodiness, problems with concentration, short term memory loss, paranoia, and hallucinations. Clearly we need sleep

People who get enough sleep are better at learning. Why is this?

• Because they can remember things better

• Because they can think more clearly

• Because they can concentrate better

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Research shows that tired children don’t do as well in school as they could. As well as the reasons given above they may also have worse attendance records due to health, and worse behaviour due to irritability

Why do we dream?

• To cement our memories

• To rehearse possible futures

• To process our feelings

• Nobody knows

Answer explanation

Scientists are still researching dreams. There are many theories as to why we need to dream, but none have yet been proven. All we do know is that dreams are an important part of sleep.

Which of these would NOT keep somebody awake at night?

• Worry or stress

• A regular routine

• Coffee or cola

• Screen time before bed

Answer explanation

Stress is a major cause of insomnia, while caffeine in coffee and cola actually wakes us up. Screen time can stop us sleeping too, as it fools the body into thinking it is morning

How would someone know they have slept well?

• They are more alert and have better mood

• They are cranky and easily annoyed

• They eat more at night and gain weight

• They have bad coordination and reaction time.

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